RIP Hugh Carey

Wow -- I did not realize Carey was 92. A true political icon.

 

A lot will be written about the man's achievements and failures, but here's hoping that one tiny aspect is never forgotten.

It was then-Gov. Carey who launched the Empire State Games in the late 1970s. The four-day event with open and scholastic divisions, modeled after the Olympics, became the model followed by nearly every other state for creating their own competitions.

Yeah, there were always H.S. and college games to watch during the school year, but for many years the Empire State Games were really special to the young athletes, many of whom were getting their first chance to travel and to compete at an all-star level.

Like much else in the state, the Empire State Games have since been ruined (they were canceled two of the last three years for financial reasons; other recent editions were scaled back), but it doesn't distract from the fact that Gov. Carey gave us a gem for many years.

 

New York to Empire State Games: Drop Dead

And R.I.P. to Mr. Carey

 

Flew in the same first-class cabin with the Mr. and Mrs. on Northwest, one afternoon.

Walter Cronkite was far better company, but nevertheless . . .

RIP, Gov.